(Graphic Illustration - Monday Morning Quarterback - WVU Football - Image rendered through the use of ChatGPT)

Shortly after the 45-13 drubbing West Virginia suffered at the hands of UCF, a good friend Mountaineer fan texted me that WVU had hit “rock bottom”.

Unfortunately, I felt compelled to temper his optimism. To say that things are as bad as they could get implies that it will at least get a little bit better.

But watching this team one can find no reason to believe that there is any likelihood of improvement.

Quarterback play has been abysmal, and virtually everyone available has had an opportunity to demonstrate their skills.

West Virginia had all of 79 passing yards, but also suffered seven sacks reducing the net yards gained on pass plays to 44 for the entire game.

But it isn’t fair to solely blame quarterback play. The offensive line can’t block. Receivers can’t get any separation. Running backs are missing in action.

Meanwhile, UCF showed what a real passing attack looks like by shredding the Mountaineers for 323 yards through the air.

The Knights’ quarterbacks stood comfortably in the pocket to scan the landscape for open receivers.

We should note that WVU has zero sacks in four Big 12 games. UCF averaged 7.7 yards per offensive play, while West Virginia averaged 2.7, a striking difference.

The Mountaineers have now lost their first four conference games by an average of 28 points, and there is no relief in sight.

The remaining five teams on the schedule have a combined record of 25-10, and they all have something to play for.

None of them will be feeling sorry for WVU. One sided thrashings will likely be the norm as this season plays out.

This is not about a lack of effort by the players on the field. The problem instead is that West Virginia is playing a Big 12 Conference schedule without Big 12 level talent.

Currently, WVU and Oklahoma State sit alone in last place in the Big 12 Conference standings.

We do find one positive nugget in the punting of Oliver Straw, who averaged 46.7 yards per punt, with three inside the 20.

But I am reminded of comments by Oz Campbell, who shared writing Monday Morning Quarterback columns from the late 80s into the 90s. Oz once noted that if your punter is the player of the game then you know you had big problems.

THIS SATURDAY: TCU travels to Morgantown for a 6 pm Saturday tilt. The Horned Frogs come in with a 5-2 record and averaging 36 points per game.

The highlight for WVU fans will be the recognition of the 1975 Peach Bowl team, a reminder of past days of winning football.

TCU 41,

WEST VIRGINIA 17.